Beginning Your Homeschooling Journey in 5 Easy Steps

Are you a parent who is curious about homeschooling your child

In recent years, an increasing number of families have been turning to homeschooling as a viable alternative to traditional education. The reasons are varied, from wanting a more individualized and flexible learning experience, to desiring more control over their child's education and curriculum.

Whatever your reasons may be, the decision to homeschool can be an exciting and fulfilling one. But with so much information out there, it can be daunting to figure out where to start.


 

So! Let's discuss the necessary steps to begin homeschooling, from researching state laws to setting up a schedule, and everything in between.









Step 1:
Connect with other homeschooling parents.

Before you dive into homeschooling, it's important to get a sense of what it's really like from the perspective of experienced homeschooling parents.


They can answer your questions, share their insights, and give you a better understanding of the commitment, benefits, and challenges of homeschooling.

    One way to connect with experienced homeschooling parents is through social media groups. There are countless Facebook groups and online communities dedicated to homeschooling, where you can ask questions, share resources, and connect with like-minded parents. 

    In addition, you can reach out to your own circle of friends and acquaintances who are homeschooling, or who may know someone who is. They may be able to provide you with valuable advice and recommendations. 

    You can also seek out homeschool advocacy groups, such as the Home School Legal Defense Association, Homeschool Central or National Home School Association. 

    These organizations can provide you with information on state laws, curriculum options, and local homeschooling resources.
 

Building connections with experienced homeschooling parents, you'll have a support network to turn to as you embark on your homeschooling journey. They can offer encouragement, advice, and a listening ear when you need it most.

Step 2:
Learn to know your state's homeschooling laws.

Before you begin homeschooling, it's essential to understand the legal requirements in your state.
  • Homeschooling laws can vary significantly from state to state, so it's important to research the specific regulations in your area.
  • I highly recommend going to HSLDA to find the laws for the state you live in. They can be an invaluable resource throughout your entire homeschool journey.

Here are a few important questions you'll want answers to:

  • Do I have to notify my school district that I'm homeschooling?
    • In some states, you will need to notify your local school district that you are homeschooling your child. 
    • The notification process can vary, so be sure to check your state's requirements. Some states require an annual notice, while others may require notification only when you first begin homeschooling. 
  • Is testing required? 
    • Some states require homeschoolers to take standardized tests or other assessments to ensure that their education is on par with that of the public school.
    • Other states do not require testing, but may offer it as an option for homeschoolers who want to evaluate their child's progress. 
  • Do I have to keep records of attendance, test results, or anything else? 
    • Many states require homeschoolers to keep records of attendance, test results, and other information related to their child's education. 
    • This can include lesson plans, samples of your child's work, and a record of any educational activities or field trips you undertake. 
    • Make sure to check your state's specific requirements for record-keeping.
  • Can my child participate in sports or other activities at our local public school? 
    • In some states, homeschoolers are allowed to participate in public school sports teams and other extracurricular activities.
    • However, this can vary depending on the state and the school district. Be sure to check with your local school district to find out what options are available to homeschoolers in your area.
  • By taking the time to understand your state's homeschooling laws, you'll be able to ensure that you're meeting all the legal requirements and can avoid any potential legal issues. 
  • It's also important to keep up-to-date with any changes to the laws or regulations in your state, as these can impact your homeschooling experience.

This is another reason I recommend Homeschool Legal Defense Association.

Becoming a member is well-worth the resources and legal representation they can provide you and your homeschool family.

Step 3:

Begin to Understand and Explore: 

Your child's learning preferences, Your teaching style, and Your educational approach.


More info here


What’s my child’s learning preference?

Understanding your child's learning preferences can help you make informed decisions when choosing curriculum and co-op options.

  • Learning preferences refer to how your child best absorbs and retains information.
  • Keep in mind that while it's important to consider your child's preferences, it's also important to expose them to various learning experiences to promote growth and flexibility.
  • By acknowledging and incorporating multiple learning styles in your teaching approach, you can provide a more comprehensive and personalized education for your child. 
Now that you have explored your child's learning preferences, let's explore their potential intelligences.

  • Learning styles is how your child approaches a range of given tasks.
  • Multiple Intelligences, on the other hand, represent your child's different intellectual abilities.

Multiple Intelligences Defined:

Linguistic intelligence: 
This refers to the ability to understand and use language effectively. People with linguistic intelligence may excel at writing, reading, public speaking, and learning foreign languages. 

Logical-mathematical intelligence: 
This refers to the ability to reason, think abstractly, and solve problems. People with logical-mathematical intelligence may excel in mathematics, science, programming, and analytical thinking. 

Spatial intelligence: 
This refers to the ability to think in 3D, visualize images, and manipulate objects mentally. People with spatial intelligence may excel in fields such as architecture, engineering, art, and design.

Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence:
This refers to the ability to control body movements and handle objects skillfully. People with bodily-kinesthetic intelligence may excel in sports, dance, surgery, or other activities that require physical coordination. 

Musical intelligence: 
This refers to the ability to understand, create, and appreciate music. People with musical intelligence may excel in playing an instrument, composing music, or recognizing and interpreting different sounds. 

Interpersonal intelligence:
This refers to the ability to understand and interact effectively with others. People with interpersonal intelligence may excel in leadership, teaching, sales, counseling, or other professions that require strong communication and social skills. 

Intrapersonal intelligence: 
This refers to the ability to understand and manage one's own emotions, thoughts, and motivations. People with intrapersonal intelligence may excel in psychology, philosophy, meditation, or other activities that require self-reflection and insight.

Naturalistic intelligence:
This refers to the ability to recognize and categorize patterns in nature and the environment. People with naturalistic intelligence may excel in fields such as ecology, geology, farming, or animal behavior.

What’s my teaching style?

Discovering your teaching style involves more than just knowing how you teach your child. It includes factors such as your preferred scheduling, personality, and communication style.

Here are some questions to consider when exploring your teaching style:

  • What is your personality type? 
    • If you're an extrovert, you might prefer group activities and frequent social interactions for both you and your child.
    • If you're an introvert, you might prefer one-on-one teaching and quieter, more independent activities. Do you enjoy reading aloud?
  • Do you like reading aloud?
    • If you love reading aloud, you can incorporate more read-aloud time into your curriculum and choose books that align with your child's interests and learning objectives.
    • If you don't enjoy reading aloud, you can delegate that task to your spouse or other family member who might be more enthusiastic about it. 
  • Do you prefer one-on-one teaching or group activities?
    •  If you prefer one-on-one teaching, you can structure your curriculum to focus on individualized lessons and activities.
    • If you prefer group activities, you can plan for more collaborative learning experiences, such as group projects and discussions. 
  • Do you prefer indoor or outdoor activities?
    • If you prefer indoor activities, you can design your curriculum to include more indoor projects and activities that align with your child's interests and learning objectives.
    • If you prefer outdoor activities, you can plan for more outdoor learning experiences, such as nature walks and science experiments. 
  • Do you like scheduling every minute of the day or having more flexibility?
    • If you prefer scheduling every minute of the day, you can design a detailed daily schedule that outlines specific learning activities and objectives for each time slot.
    • If you prefer more flexibility, you can plan for more open-ended learning experiences and allow for spontaneous exploration of topics that interest your child. 
  • Are you more of a verbal, kinesthetic, or visual communicator?
    • If you're a verbal communicator, you can focus on activities that involve speaking and listening, such as oral presentations and discussions.
    • If you're a kinesthetic communicator, you can incorporate hands-on activities and experiments that allow your child to learn by doing.
    • If you're a visual communicator, you can use visual aids and resources such as diagrams, charts, and videos to help your child understand new concepts. 
  • Do you like making your own lesson plans or following pre-made ones?
    • If you like making your own lesson plans, you can create detailed plans that align with your child's interests and learning objectives.
    • If you prefer following pre-made lesson plans, you can choose a curriculum that provides pre-made lesson plans and modify them to suit your child's needs and interests.

What's my educational approach?








Homeschooling is not a one-size-fits-all approach to education. There are various homeschool educational approaches to choose from, each with its own philosophy and methodology.


   




     
    It is crucial to find an approach that aligns with your teaching style and values, as well as your child's learning style and interests.

    By finding an approach that fits your family, you can create a positive and effective learning environment that meets your child's educational needs and fosters their love of learning.

It is vital that you know, if a particular educational approach isn't working, for Any Reason, you can change it!!

This is part of the beauty of homeschooling...if something isn't working...We are allowed to, and we should change it!

Here are a few of the many, many educational approaches for you to consider:

  • Traditional or “Textbook” Approach: This approach emphasizes textbooks, workbooks, and teacher-led instruction, often following a structured scope and sequence. 
    • Example: Using a pre-packaged curriculum that includes textbooks for each subject and a teacher's guide to follow.
  • Box Curriculum or “Complete Package” Approach: This approach provides a complete curriculum package for all subjects, usually from a single provider.
    • Example: Using a boxed curriculum that includes textbooks, workbooks, and other materials for each subject.
  • Classical Approach: This approach focuses on studying the classics of Western civilization, including literature, history, and languages, and emphasizes critical thinking and logic.
      • Example: Using a curriculum that emphasizes the study of Latin, ancient Greek, and classical literature.
  • Charlotte Mason or “Real Books” Approach: This approach emphasizes literature, nature study, and hands-on activities, and encourages children to learn through observation and experience.
    • Example: Using living books for literature and nature study and incorporating art and music appreciation.
  • Montessori Approach: This approach emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning, and allows children to learn at their own pace and follow their interests.
    • Example: Using materials and activities designed to promote self-directed learning and exploration.
  • Waldorf Approach: This approach emphasizes arts, crafts, music, and movement, and encourages children to learn through creative play and imagination.
    • Example: Using a curriculum that emphasizes art and/or music; and/or incorporates storytelling and puppetry.
  • Unit Study Approach: This approach focuses on one topic or theme at a time and integrates multiple subjects, allowing for a more holistic and integrated approach to learning.
    • Example: Using a unit study on Ancient Egypt that incorporates history, geography, art, and literature.
  • Unschooling/Delight-Directed Homeschooling Approach: This approach emphasizes child-led learning, allowing children to follow their interests and passions and learn through their own curiosity and exploration.
    • Example: Allowing a child to spend time pursuing their interests in science, art, or history without a formal curriculum or structure.
  • Mixed or Eclectic Approach: This approach combines different methods and materials to create a personalized curriculum that fits the unique needs and interests of the family.
    • Example: Using a mix of textbooks, living books, and hands-on activities to create a customized curriculum for each child.


Step 4: 

Find and/or create your child’s curriculum.

Choosing your child's curriculum when homeschooling can seem like a daunting task, but it is also one of the most exciting and rewarding aspects of homeschooling.

    The curriculum you choose will shape your child's education and ultimately their future, so it's important to take the time to research and evaluate your options. 

    It's also important to keep in mind that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to homeschooling, and what works for one family may not work for another. 

    Some families prefer a pre-packaged curriculum, while others prefer a more individualized approach. 

    Regardless of your approach, the most important thing is to choose a curriculum that challenges and engages your child while fostering a love of learning.
 
The possibilities for curriculum are endless, but here is a short list to get you started:

Khan Academy has K-12 online classes for free






Go Noodle--Songs and Activities to get kiddos moving: FREE

Step 5: 
Determine where you will homeschool and create
your personalized Home School schedule.

Where will you Homeschool?

  • Where are the bulk of your Core Educational hours going to take place?
  • While learning can take place literally anywhere, most states will require that a certain number of logged hours, occur at the "regular" homeschool location.
    • For Example, in Missouri, 400 of the 600 core (Reading, Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, and Science), must be taught at your "Regular" Homeschool Location. Simply put, I cannot bring my kid to the Discovery Center for all 600 core educational hours.
  • Where will they learn, while at your "primary" or "regular" Home School Location?When you decide to homeschool, you have the freedom to choose where your child will learn. It could be at home, in a dedicated homeschooling space, or even outside in nature.
It's important to consider what works best for your family and their learning style.

What will your home school schedule look like?



Once you've chosen a location, it's time to create a schedule that works for everyone. 

This will help your child develop good habits and ensure that you both have a routine to follow.

Keep in mind that homeschooling doesn't have to be confined to traditional school hours. 

Whatever your approach, make sure to communicate it clearly with your child and try to stick to it as consistently as possible.


No two homeschool family schedules will be identical in their choice of scheduling.

Here's a very basic list of common schedules, to give you a start point:

  • Traditional: A schedule that mimics the traditional school schedule, usually consisting of a 5-day week with set start and end times each day. 
  • Block: A schedule that organizes the day into blocks of time for different subjects or activities. 
  • Loop: A schedule that rotates through a list of subjects or activities, rather than having a set schedule for each day. 
  • Unschooling: A schedule that does not follow a set curriculum or schedule, but instead follows the interests and curiosities of the child. 
  • Four-day week: A schedule where schooling is done for four days each week, with the fifth day reserved for other activities or rest. 
  • Morning time: A schedule that focuses on a set period of time each morning for group activities, such as read-alouds, poetry, and discussion. 
  • Year-round: A schedule that spreads out the required number of school days throughout the year, with more frequent breaks rather than one long summer break. 
  • Hybrid: A schedule that combines two or more approaches to create a customized schedule that fits the needs of the family.






As a homeschool mom with Narcolepsy, I find

 that a flexible, personalized schedule is essential

 for my success!








Some of the things we do to ensure the success of our Home School are:

  • We teach year-around
  • We do some unschooling, especially on the days I am feeling very tired
  • We also try to match our school days to my husband's work days (which is 6 days on, 2 days off)
  • I set daily goals for each subject but do not assign a specific time slot for them.
This approach allows me to prioritize tasks based on my energy levels. 

It works well, because I already have yearly, quarterly, monthly and weekly goals set up.

So, if we have a few days or even weeks that things just didn't go as planned, our overall goals and schedule will not suffer one bit! 
  • Whenever possible, which is most of the time, I combine subjects. I find that integrating subjects makes the information more retainable.



Combining multiple subjects:

Helps my daughter stay engaged and focused on the material.

Further develops her critical thinking skills.

Saves my, sometimes very precious, time and energy.






Key Things to Remember on your new journey:

It's important to keep in mind that Homeschooling is a constantly evolving process.

While you may have a plan in place, it's crucial to be open to change and re-evaluation.

Set a schedule for periodic check-ins with your children to assess what's working and what's not. 
(This not only helps you make necessary adjustments but also models flexibility and a growth mindset for your children)

Keep records of your child's progress. You can see the progress they've made over time and make adjustments to your homeschool roadmap as needed.

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